Researchers have uncovered a sophisticated tech support scam where Google ads display a fake security warning, freezing the screen of both Windows and Mac devices. Users are then urged to pay hefty fees or grant remote access to their devices.

The ads appeared on high-traffic websites, targeting users from 619 customer organizations, though Netskope blocked the content, preventing any actual scams. The majority of organizations were from the US, with Japan and Australia rounding out the top three.

For many victims, the ad click turns into a browser that seems to have locked up, complete with a fake security warning and lagging browser. In the moment, it’s convincing enough to push people towards the scam.

This scam highlights the growing divide between those who understand tech and those who don’t. With the web becoming more complex, those who are less tech-savvy are increasingly vulnerable to such tricks. It’s a stark reminder of how much we rely on technology and how much we need to stay vigilant.